“God doesn’t call us to ‘find our place in the world’ but to wage war with a worldly culture that has declared war on God’s design.” – Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin So Much More
To be clear, we don’t wage war with people, but the effects that darkness has on them (Eph. 6). Jesus made it clear that we aren’t fighting a kingdom war. Paul made it clear we aren’t fighting flesh and blood. Yet the scriptures teach: “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).
So why do we let ourselves, our goals, our futures, our families and our children be molded by that same world? We are called to oppose God-less thinking. But I wonder if we even recognize God-less thinking any more?
Jump on my mental train with me for a second. I have struggled for years with public schooling because of these thoughts. I would home-school tomorrow, but my husband doesn’t share my… how shall I say… zeal.
A few of my concerns are:
- I don’t want my kids to be influenced by God-less curriculum.
- The pervasive effects the blasphemous teaching of evolution.
- Academic achievement pushed over sensible, godly wisdom.
- Prideful pursuits.
- Evil companions & immorality.
- The dating culture.
So how can I send my kids into this mire you might ask? First of all, Daniel feels like God has led us to public school. Even amid my concerns, I do believe God is more powerful.
Secondly, Daniel and I both cover our kids in prayer. In fact, our school has a group of praying moms that meets specifically for our school, staff, kids and families.
And Daniel and I both agree that we have to equip our children for more than academics. We want our kids to be successful, of course. But more, we want our kids to be serving God’s purpose in the moment. We want our kids to grown in their ministries as God uses them to impact the world for Christ.
Stay with me, my mental train will be pulling in the station soon. So during my “unplugging” I was meditating on ways to better equip our kids. I already do a lot of praying for them. I pray with them a lot. I surround us with spiritual music. We read scriptures. But one thing we are missing is binding God’s word on our hearts (Deut. 11:18). How do you do that? Memorize it!
I have picked 36 proverbs of Solomon to memorize. That’s one for each week of four nine-week grading periods. If you want to join the DeGarmo family on our “Journey to Wisdom” memorize these passages a long with us. May the God of all glory be present as we seal our children with his word.
These are the words of Solomon… They give knowledge and good sense to the young. (Proverbs 1: 1, 4)
Quarter 1:
- Wise people should listen to them and learn even more. Even smart people will find wise advice in these words. Prov. 1:3
- Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord. Prov. 1:7
- Foolish people hate wisdom and self-control. Prov. 1:7
- My child, listen to your father’s teaching. Don’t forget your mother’s advice. Prov. 1:9
- Sinners will try to lead you into sin, but do not follow them. Prov. 1:10
- Only the Lord gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from Him. Prov. 2:6
- Don’t ever stop being kind and truthful. Let kindness and truth show in all you do. Prov.3:3
- Remember the Lord in everything and he will give you success. Prov. 3:6
- Don’t depend on your own wisdom. Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong. Prov. 3:7
Quarter 2:
- My child, do not reject the Lord’s discipline. Don’t become angry when HE corrects you. Prov. 3:11
- Whenever you are able, do good to people who need your help. Prov. 3:27
- My children, listen to your father’s teaching. Pay attention so you will understand. Prov. 4:1
- These words are the secret to life. They bring good health to the whole body. Prov. 4:22
- Be careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life. Prov. 4: 23
- Don’t use your mouth to tell lies. Don’t ever say things that aren’t true. Prov. 4: 24
- Keep your eyes focused on what is right. Prov. 4: 25
- Do not do anything unless it is right. Stay away from evil. Prov. 4:27
- Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you want is equal to it. Prov. 8:11
Quarter 3:
- If you respect the Lord, you will also hate evil. Prov. 8:13
- Understanding begins with knowing God, the Holy One. Prov. 9:10
- Foolishness is like a loud woman. Prov. 9:13
- A wise son makes his father happy. But a foolish son makes his mother sad. Prov 10:2
- Anyone who loves learning accepts being corrected. But a person who hates being corrected is stupid. Prov. 12:1
- The lazy person will not get what he wants. A hard worker gets everything he wants. Prov. 13: 4
- A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger. But an unkind answer will cause more anger. Prov. 15: 1
- And evil person causes trouble. And a person who gossips ruins friendships. Prov. 16:28
- If you make fun of the poor, you insult the God who made them. Prov. 17:5
Quarter 4:
- People who are proud will be ruined. But those who are not proud will be honored. Prov. 18:12
- A person who answers without listening is foolish and disgraceful. Prov. 18:13
- The mind of a smart person is ready to get knowledge. The wise person listens to learn more. Prov. 18:15
- The Lord looks into a person’s feelings. He searches through a person’s thoughts. Prov. 2: 27
- Young men are admired for their strength. Prov. 20: 29
- The Lazy person’s desire for sleep will kill him because he refuses to work. Prov. 21: 25
- There is no wisdom, understanding or advice that can succeed against the Lord. Prov. 21: 30
- You can get the horses ready for battle. But it is the Lord who gives the victory. Prov. 21: 31
- Train a child how to live the right way. Then even when he is old, he will still live that way. Prov. 22:6
*My disclaimer for the day. We have been extremely blessed with many teachers, principals, and friends of faith. I am abundantly grateful for their godly influence in my kid’s lives!